The Blue Lake Museum is a free public museum devoted to railroading, logging, and living in the Mad River Valley. The old Arcata & Mad River Railroad depot is full of artifacts from the booming days of Redwood Country. The museum also features the Ruth Everding Libbey collection of Native American basketry, the Korbel and Northern Redwood Lumber Company room, and extensive research resources. The Museum is housed in the old Arcata & Mad River Railroad depot built in 1893. The Railroad, the oldest on the north coast, is a Registered California State Historic Landmark.

The museum is maintained and staffed by volunteers and is funded solely by memberships, donations, and fundraisers.